Is raising the hands (*Raf' al-Yadayn*) required when commencing the prayer?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Raising the hands when commencing prayer is established by scholarly consensus, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) consistently performed this act. Evidence includes the narration of Ibn Umar, stating the Prophet (peace be upon him) raised his hands level with his shoulders when beginning the prayer, when bowing, and after rising from bowing, but not between the two prostrations. This action is universally agreed upon as sunnah.
Supporting text
There is a choice regarding the height to which the hands are raised: either level with the earlobes or level with the shoulders. Raising them to the shoulders is reported by Abu Humaid and Ibn Umar and is the view of Al-Shafi'i and Ishaq. Raising them to the earlobes is reported via Wael ibn Hajar and Malik ibn al-Huwairith. Ahmad leaned more towards the shoulder height, citing the greater number and proximity of reporters to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in those narrations, while allowing the other as sound.